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Electronic
A.k.a. Steve Humphries

Berlin School / sequencer music by Stephen Humphries. Although Reflections From the Inner Light was realized via software means only, Stephen really stretches the limits of his instrumentation on this release, creating an album of well crafted Berlin School EM. "Narissa" starts with mysterious synth chords that, after a while are joined by nice lead lines. This is wondefully atmospheric and quite effective. Soon the sequences emerge that make this a classic formula Berlin School track. Very nice rhythms as well, and a haunting mellotron flute / synth combination at the end. "Dark Skies", not surprisingly, starts with dark synth drone and analogue-sounding lead line, soon joined by effects and synth pads. Slowly the rhythm / sequence elements take over, making this an edgy and stomping EM number. Got my toe tapping to this one. The track is finished off by threatening bass synth lines. The next cut is "Touching the Void". Again, we hear a dark introduction and a haunting mellotron flute refrain. Soon after the 3 minute mark, the sequences are introduced along with a rhythm, although everything stays very atmospheric and moody. The track has got an unusual solo timbre that I found very pleasant. "Medusa" is the shortest track of the lot and is dominated by EMS-like effects and mellotron choir / synth lead / atmosphere tandem. Nice! "Surface Cotrol" is initially a major-key, cheerful track, which then becomes very urgent and exciting. One of the best compositions on the album - I really enjoyed this one, including the superb soloing. "Downside Up" - a deep introduction, with whooshing synths and processed pad sounds. But the track's main asset are the sequences, that are rich in colour and yet subtle and very effective. There's also a mellotron flute to be heard. The rhythm is relaxed, resulting in a laid-back mysterious EM track with just the right amount of rhythmic propulsion. "Kaleid" is another one of those "floating mysterious introduction-long sequencer part-mysterious ending" tracks. It's a classic Berlin School formula that always works when done with attitude, as is the case with "Kaleid". "Chasing the One" is the last track and the best composition on the entire album. Sounds different to what has come before (mellotron choir, repetitive structure, very prominent bass sequence), but that's part of its charm, I guess. It's like chasing some ship in a space convoy. Very evocative. If you enjoy the Berlin School of Electronic Music, Reflections From the Inner Light will give you more than a hour of pure listening enjoyment.

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